GOAL 3: Further the Health and Well-Being of All Residents in the Region

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One of Greater Des Moines’s key competitive advantages is its high quality of life. The region is consistently recognized for its affordability, access to the outdoors, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, this way of life is being challenged by impediments to fair housing, the area’s car-centered transportation system, and decreasing levels of physical activity. For residents to be able to truly enjoy the high quality of life for which Greater Des Moines is known, health and well-being, in all senses of those terms, need to be actively promoted throughout the region. housing in the region, the lack of affordable housing in close 112 Strategy 3A proximity to minimum to low wage job centers, the lack of affordable housing for seniors and people with disabilities, and Ensure diverse housing choices – in terms of the lack of units for large and extended family households. cost, style, and location – throughout the region 2. Language and cultural barriers: The region is experiencing a slow National experts repeatedly recognize the Greater Des Moines change in demographic makeup, with a steadily increasing region for its high quality of life and moderate cost of living. minority and immigrant population. Language poses a Anticipated growth through the year 2050 poses challenges significant barrier for these groups, as there is a shortage of to the region’s ability to maintain a relatively affordable cost of home buying professionals, mortgage brokers, and Realtors who living. Additionally, anticipated growth will bring an increase in are bilingual and bicultural. Compounding the issue is a lack the diversity of residents in terms of racial, cultural, and economic of culturally sensitive and safe housing options for immigrant backgrounds. communities.

A portion of the area’s perceived affordability is the low price 3. Education (Fair housing rights): Approximately 40 percent of 1 of housing compared to other regions of the country. Another the Regional Analysis of Impediments survey respondents2 portion of the region’s affordability is typically identified as the indicated a lack of knowledge in regard to fair housing rights, low cost of transportation, partly due to short commute times and laws, and processes. This lack of knowledge presents a key low levels of congestion. The desire to maintain affordability for challenge, especially for low income population groups, all residents in the face of anticipated growth necessitates equal immigrants, and people with limited English proficiency. access to housing opportunities and consideration of housing location in relation to the job centers they serve. 4. Concentrations of subsidized housing: Historically, public housing has been located in the City of Des Moines. The Section 8 It is important to note that, while the region is considered voucher program provides rental assistance to low income affordable to some, other residents rely on housing assistance families, the elderly, and the disabled based on guidelines programs even now. Housing affordability is not limited to just developed by HUD. Section 8 voucher holders also are the cost of housing itself but also includes secondary costs, such concentrated in the City of Des Moines and areas just outside as transportation costs and access to jobs, schools, and basic the city limits. While Section 8 trends may be a reflection of goods and services. The region should strive to ensure that diverse availability of affordable housing in the region, the growth of housing choices are available in locations near major employment suburbs in the recent decades — along with a shift of jobs to and commercial centers. these areas — demands a fresh investigation of the housing policies and an increased regional approach to siting affordable Housing challenges can be broken into three components: housing. impediments to fair housing, lack of workforce housing, and changing demographics. 5. Landlord screening: Increased screening by landlords using criminal background checks, credit scores, and eviction history Impediments to Fair Housing is a common reason that people are excluded from housing According to The Greater Des Moines Metro Area Regional options in the region. Screenings also have a negative impact Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Regional on persons with intellectual and physical disabilities in terms of Analysis of Impediments), prepared by Iowa State University as their ability to acquire housing and obtain credit. a component of The Tomorrow Plan, a majority of communities in Greater Des Moines have not taken action on any measures 6. Support services: Most rental assistance, public housing, and aimed at increasing the diversity of housing stock. For example, affordable home ownership programs require complementary 70 percent of the communities had taken no action to promote support services to assist residents when unexpected affordable housing. The Regional Analysis of Impediments challenges occur that may prevent them from making timely identifies the following eight impediments to fair housing in rent or mortgage payments. These programs also may target Greater Des Moines: homeowners to ensure compliance with code regulations. Certain population groups such as seniors, low income 1. Affordability: Affordability is the biggest issue impeding housing households, refugees, individuals with criminal backgrounds, choice in the region. This category can be further broken down and individuals with intellectual, mental, or physical disabilities into sub-areas that include: the high cost of housing compared may require more specialized case management services. The to the incomes of many households, the lack of subsidized primary cause cited for this gap is lack of resources. 7. Zoning: Certain land use and development policies and zoning Changing Demographics 113 provisions affect the range of housing choices available in The number of single-person households is expected to increase certain jurisdictions. Some local jurisdictions limit the amount of by 2050. It is anticipated that most of those households will be land that can be developed into multi-family and multi-structure comprised of people under the age of 35 and over the age of housing units, while other jurisdictions limit the number of non- 55. This shift in demographics necessitates the need to review family members living together. Large minimum lot sizes and housing availability to ensure the region can meet future housing restrictions on accessory dwelling units further impede choice demands. Most of the current housing stock is designed for the and affordability. traditional family size and type. The Tomorrow Plan’s quantitative survey respondents indicated a strong desire to be able to easily : Chronic homelessness and near homelessness 8. Homelessness stay in their neighborhoods after they retire, which is often hard to remain causes for concern in Greater Des Moines. The lack do without a range of housing types. Additionally, results indicated of adequate support services to help these groups find and that residents desire to live in a diverse community. Survey results maintain suitable housing in a timely manner creates an and changing demographics indicate an opportunity to expand additional barrier as these individuals and families seek housing. housing choice within a neighborhood. Doing so would ensure The homeless sheltering system in the region plays a key role in that residents can maintain their desired lifestyle in the same providing housing options but is more of a temporary solution to neighborhood as they age. the problem. Currently, 28 percent of households nationwide are single person Workforce Housing households; Greater Des Moines follows this trend. Projecting The second set of challenges stems from the workforce housing national trends forward, 40 percent of households in 2050 will needs as economic growth continues in Greater Des Moines be single person households. Assuming the Greater Des Moines over the coming decades. The Iowa Finance Authority’s 2012 region continues to follow suit, projections show a need for over Iowa Housing Study3 reviews housing data for the eight county 82,000 new single person units. It should be noted that total central Iowa region and makes projections to the year 2020. The housing units reflects a 5 percent vacancy rate. study indicates that a majority of new households in central Iowa will be located in Polk and Dallas counties. The share of owner- These three components — impediments to fair housing, lack of occupied and rental units will remain similar to today. As a result, workforce housing, and changing demographics — underscore the current disconnect between lower priced rental unit demand the magnitude of future regional housing needs and the need for and high priced rental unit supply will continue through 2020. This a diverse regional housing stock. Addressing the need for more underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the region’s diverse housing at the regional level will ensure that housing is strategy for supplying affordable housing units. available for all residents. The goals of such an effort would be to:

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS A Regional Coalition for Housing – ARCH – defines an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) as “an extra living unit on your property, complete with kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities. Subject to local regulations, ADUs may be located inside, attached to, or detached from the primary home on your property. Another common term for ADU is ‘Mother in Law’ apartment.” ARCH4 notes that the benefits of owning an ADU include:

Extra Housing: ADUs can help meet a family need for extra housing or can enable a tenant to live nearby.

Companionship, Security, and Home Help: ADUs allow caretakers to live nearby and provide companionship and an extra hand.

First Time Homebuyers: ADUs can help first time homebuyers qualify for a larger home loan and earn extra income.

Income: ADUs can help all types of homeowners earn extra cash for mortgage payments, home repairs, or any other expense. 114 A GHOST IN THE SYSTEM I left prison after 25 years of incarceration with a bus ticket, all my personal belongings (in a box), a $10 bill, and a check for $90. But I’m not upset with anyone because I’m guilty of what they accused me of.

When I entered the work release center, one of the first things they did was take the $90 check, so there I stood on ground zero, quasi free, overwhelmed by circumstances, elated to be where I was.

Most newly released prisoners are met by their family and loved ones; I was met by a counselor I went to high school with who welcomed me back and promised to do all he could to help me succeed. That was invaluable information. This counselor actually set up a job interview, took me to it, and sat in on the interview with me.

I started work on a Friday. After the first day, I was asked if I wanted to work Saturday. Eager to impress my new employer, I committed before I knew buses ran on a late schedule on weekends. Therefore, I was confronted with my first real dilemma. Not wanting to start off on a bad foot with my employer, I borrowed $40 and took a cab as far as it could get me to my job in Ankeny.

When I got off work that day, I went to assess the bus routes and discovered there was no bus that would get me to work on time. The bus would only take me to East 14th and Aurora in Des Moines, but I still had to get to Ankeny before 8:00 am. So I went on a crusade to secure a bike. God must have heard my prayers because an old friend just happened to have a bike he wasn’t using until the weekend. For the next two months, I would catch a bus and ride a bike approximately 10 miles to work and back to the Fort Des Moines halfway house.

Due to the fact I had done so much time incarcerated, I became a “ghost” in the system, meaning I had no work history, no credit history, or social or civic history. There was basically no record I could reference. Therefore, I was compelled to stay in the halfway house three extra months because no one would rent to me.

Finally, a friend had a cousin who was looking for an older man who would be willing to rent a room and share the bathroom and kitchen with two other renters. It was ideal for my situation, but I was laid off in December due to seasonal work. I was supposed to receive workman’s compensation, but I hadn’t worked enough months to be eligible.

Once again I found myself in a situation I couldn’t have prepared myself for while I was in prison. Yet I had to pay rent as well as other debts. Urban Dreams was instrumental in helping me connect with needed resources. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for ex-offenders to be connected with information to emergency resources and how to obtain immediate assistance.

The number of ex-offenders is predicted to increase as the mandatory minimum sentences expire. We must prepare situations to facilitate their inevitable return, so they can find jobs with livable wages, affordable housing, and transportation assistance.

Dennis Henderson Ex-offender Coordinator, Urban Dreams

WORKING THE NUMBERS Between 2010 and 2020, central Iowa is projected to add 74,300 jobs, according to Iowa Workforce Development.5 This job growth will result in approximately 41,500 net new workforce households over the decade, with three-quarters of those in Polk and Dallas counties.

The mix of housing in 2010 was 70 percent owner-occupied units and 30 percent renter-occupied units. Thus, keeping the same proportions, approximately 29,000 owner-occupied and 12,000 rental units will be needed between 2010 and 2020 to accommodate this new workforce housing demand. However, the majority of net new workforce households added are expected to be single- and two-person householders. Thus, the distribution of housing by price point needed to meet this demand is likely to be quite different from what exists in today’s market. HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 115 2010 BASELINE HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS6

HH SHARE OF POP SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS HOUSING UNITS POPULATION AVG HH SIZE TOTAL TOTAL

1 person 52,094 54,699 52,094 1.00 28% 11%

2+ 136,906 143,751 427,906 3.13 72% 89%

Total 189,000 198,450 480,000 2.54 100% 100%

2050 HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS 2010-2050 NEW GROWTH

HOUSING NEW UNITS POP. HOUSEHOLDS POPULATION AVG HH SIZE UNITS HOUSEHOLDS NEEDED GROWTH

1 person 130,434 136,956 130,434 1.00 78,340 87,257 78,340

2+ 197,944 207,841 619,566 3.13 61,039 64,090 191,660

Total 328,378 344,797 750,000 2.28 139,379 146,348 270,000

CURRENTLY, 28 PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS NATIONWIDE ARE SINGLE-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS. GREATER DES MOINES FOLLOWS THIS TREND. PROJECTING NATIONAL TRENDS FORWARD, 40 PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN 2050 WILL BE SINGLE PERSON HOUSEHOLDS. ASSUMING THE GREATER DES MOINES REGION CONTINUES TO FOLLOW SUIT, PROJECTIONS SHOW A NEED FOR OVER 82,000 NEW SINGLE PERSON UNITS.

1. Address the geographic concentration of traditional affordable Greater Des Moines should take several specific actions to achieve housing options. these goals:

2. Promote and encourage the development of affordable housing Continue a regional housing dialogue involving housing near low-wage job centers and near public transit routes. agencies, transportation organizations, developers, municipalities, and other stakeholders. 3. Promote a diverse housing stock that provides housing choices for individuals of all races, cultures, ages, and economic Create zoning ordinances that allow for a variety of housing backgrounds. types, such as accessory dwelling units, cottage housing developments, shared housing sites, and live-work units. 4. Promote the development of neighborhoods and housing options that can serve different generations throughout their Create a regional affordable housing plan, including targets for lifecycle. various housing types throughout the region.

5. Increase the awareness and develop education regarding a Prioritize the development review process for projects that variety of housing issues, including fair housing rights. include affordable units.

6. Promote the development and redevelopment of diverse Create incentives and reduce barriers for developers to increase housing choices. affordable housing for households with an income of less than 30 percent of the region’s median income.

Prioritize the use of transportation funds to enhance transportation choice near affordable housing. Encourage unions and retirement fund managers to use pension Improve educational resources and programs related to housing. 116 funds to invest in affordable housing units. FF Assist individuals with the purchase, rental, and maintenance Balance the mix of income restricted and market rate rentals of housing through employer-assisted housing programs, throughout the region, focusing immediately on the urban core. such as match down-payment assistance and the leveraging of housing development financing. Increase residential densities by removing or reducing minimum lot size requirements. FF Provide education on the cost of living, and encourage residents to consider transportation costs when making Engage and educate neighborhoods on the benefits of housing choices. embedded affordable housing. FF Expand knowledge of fair housing rights complaint Encourage a mix of land uses near transit corridors. procedures in the region.

Promote infill development and the rehabilitation of vacant Engage the state on preferred housing policies and programs, structures. such as limiting tax abatements for new housing developments; continuing funding of the Vision Iowa program, Community FF Step up enforcement on vacant and abandoned buildings Attraction and Tourism program, and Riverfront Enhancement where codes are in violation. program; and, incentivizing brownfield redevelopment.

FF Set up a community land trust (CLT) that maintains ownership of land portion of property. STRATEGY 3A FF Adopt rehabilitation building codes that make converting POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: old structures and creating infill housing more feasible for developers. Polk County Housing Trust Fund HUD FF Adopt financial incentives that make converting old structures more profitable for developers. Communities THE HIDDEN COST OF HOUSING 117 When considering housing costs, people often think only of the rent or mortgage payments. In reality, though, that’s only half of the picture. Consideration must also be given to the costs associated with where housing is located.

In 2008, the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) introduced its H+T Affordability Index7 “that measures the true affordability of housing choice by factoring in both housing and transportation costs in a neighborhood.” The formula for determining affordability is:

Housing Costs + Transportation Costs H+T Affordability Index = Income

Traditionally, households spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing fall into a “cost burdened” category. Using this criteria, 76 percent of US neighborhoods are “affordable.” Applying this classification to Greater Des Moines shows that most areas fall into the “affordable” classification, shown in yellow in the accompanying maps. This categorization doesn’t take into account transportation costs as a result of housing location.

The H+T Affordability Index, in contrast, defines “affordable” as a household that spends less than 45 percent of its income on housing and transportation. Using this approach, the number of affordable neighborhoods in the country drops to 28 percent, and the number of cost burdened households in Greater Des Moines – shown in blue –increases dramatically.

The accompanying visualizations underscore the importance of taking a holistic view of affordability that includes housing location. THE MISSING Middle

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E US O Townhouses, terrace houses, or row houses are attached units in groups larger than H four. These are typically two to four story buildings set close to the street with separate UPLEX N D entries for each unit. Well-designed townhomes provide access to garages from a rear W lane or alley allowing for a continuous street frontage that is unbroken by driveways.

O This design allows for a higher number of on-street parking spaces. The shared walls T of townhomes make them more energy efficient than similarly constructed detached units. Townhomes can be built as part of a homeowners association or as individual parcels under single ownership.

ACK ST ED TO This type of townhouse consists of four stories W with a two-story unit above another two-story N unit. Stacked townhouses maintain the same H

F O OU feel as the traditional four story townhouse RP while doubling the density. The four story U

L S E height allows for a well-defined street and X creates a sense of enclosure that is E essential to placemaking.

UNITS K R O W - Live-work units combine a person’s living space with E their work space, with the housing generally located V I above the first floor work space that faces the street. L However, this flexible housing type can be arranged in a variety of fashions. It works well as a transition between single-use and mixed-use buildings. IXED-U M SE A Fourplexes are semi-detached units P A that share a common wall. They R resemble duplexes except that each T side consists of two units stacked Mixed-use apartments consist of apartments above commercial M

over each other for a total of four or office space. These buildings may have retail on the ground E units. floor, offices on the second floor, and residential units on the N

remaining floors. Mixed-use apartments work well along T S commercial corridors where communities are trying to create a main street atmosphere. In 2011, the National Association of Realtors conducted a study8 that shows that the majority of Baby Boomers and Millennials desire to live THE MISSING Middle in communities that are walkable and transit friendly. Communities that want to attract and retain these population groups need to provide a variety of housing that supports walking and transit.

One way to ensure these types of neighborhoods exist is to build “missing middle” housing types. These housing types include cottages, townhouse, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, small apartment buildings, mansion apartments, live-work units, and apartments above shops. 119 These building types have actual densities ranging from 16 to 35 dwelling units per acre, but their perceived density is much lower. The lower perceived density of these buildings make them generally acceptable to most people while allowing for the required density to make walking and transit viable.

COT Cottage houses are detached units that range TA G from around 400 to 1,200 square feet. They E PLEX DU typically have a small footprint H and can be arranged along a street O

or around a central courtyard. U

Cottages blend well into residential S

neighborhoods while increasing N density due to the small lot sizes G that accommodate this style. Duplexes are semi-detached Cottage housing can provide an units that share a common affordable option for singles, young wall but are located on families, and for retirees wishing to individual lots. In Greater Des age in place. Moines, these are commonly known as double houses; the region contains many fine examples of this housing type. There are additional types of duplexes where units are stacked over each other. This type of duplex is most common in large X single-family homes that have been converted to two units. LE IP Triplexes, or triple deckers, R consist of three units stacked SMALL A T PA one above the other. Triple R Small apartments usually T deckers are economical M contain six to eight in that the cost of land units on a small E N and basement + roof

building footprint. T construction is spread

The small building S over three units. size makes them compatible in residential neighborhoods. ART AP MEN ON T SI S IXED-U N M SE A A P M A R T Mansion apartments resemble large detached M houses from the street but, in reality, consist

E of four to six apartments. The physical

N character of mansion apartments is

T S compatible with detached single-family housing and adds options to a neighborhood. 120

Source: Bicycling Magazine

ACTIVITY9 CALORIES BURNED PER MINUTE

Drive alone in a vehicle 3.125

Walking to and riding the bus* 1.625 (6.000)

Bicycling (leisure) 8.500

Walking (leisure pace) 4.375

Walking (brisk 3.5 MPH) 5.375

Wheelchair use (manual) 4.000 the lack of congestion and the short commute times, which 121 Strategy 3B provide little incentive to switch from private vehicles. Though bus service frequency has improved, it is often still quicker to Make walking, biking, and using public travel by personal vehicle. Considering that future congestion is transportation a normal part of daily life projected to be minimal, our region can at least redirect resources from private vehicle infrastructure to public transportation Looking to the year 2050, we know that Greater Des Moines will infrastructure in order to provide a positive incentive to switch experience significant demographic changes. Nearly 140,000 modes. Baby Boomers call the region home. The “graying” of the region will have implications for the transportation system, land use, Not only are walking, biking, and using public transportation key to and the placement of homes, businesses, and stores. Perhaps an increasing the mobility of Greater Des Moines residents, they are even larger impact, though, could come from Generations X, Y, central to furthering residents’ health and well-being. Every walk and Z — generally those under the age of 45 and who comprise or bike ride is a chance for exercise and social interaction, which nearly two-thirds of the region’s population. These generations create a healthy and welcoming community. Additionally, walking have demonstrated different lifestyle choices and preferences and biking require little space for each person engaged in those than older generations. For instance, the share of new vehicles activities; the more people who walk and bike, the more space can purchased by those aged 18 to 34 dropped 30 percent in the last be dedicated to other uses chosen by each community. People five years. With these anticipated demographic shifts, creating a who use wheelchairs also benefit from increased pedestrian region where walking, biking, and using public transportation are facilities when designed to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as viable as driving will be imperative. standards.

Greater Des Moines currently enjoys short commute times and Every trip starts and ends as a pedestrian trip. As a result, little to no congestion, even during peak travel times. A report by improvements to the pedestrian experience benefit everyone. 10 Nelson/Nygaard found that, in 2010, nearly three-fourths of the Additionally, no forms of travel are healthier than walking and roads operated with free flowing traffic. Even without roadway bicycling. Providing all residents with the option of walking and capacity additions, projections for the year 2050 do not show biking is at the heart of supporting the region’s health and well- any significant deterioration in commute times or increased being. To do so requires safe, comfortable environments with all congestion around Greater Des Moines. Given this abundance of users in mind. The following six fundamental pedestrian conditions roadway capacity, Greater Des Moines can still grow while shifting should be provided, especially in mixed-use districts, around funding priorities to those modes that increase transportation schools, and at connections to transit. It should be noted that choice. these conditions benefit cyclists and users of other transportation modes as well. The region can place new emphasis on walking, biking, and public transportation such that they become options as viable as driving. Safety: Pedestrians are well protected from road hazards such Pedestrians who can walk to different land uses, such as retail as vehicles. establishments, parks, and community facilities, in under 10 minutes are more likely to visit those places.11 Placing daily goods Security: Pedestrians are not susceptible to real or perceived and services, as well as recreational destinations, within walking robberies or other crimes. distance of residences increases the incentives for residents to Directness: Pedestrian paths minimize distances traveled. avoid using their cars. People will always find the most direct route anyway, regardless Another strategy would be to further the use of bicycle of where a path leads. infrastructure for commuting. Complete streets have been Ease of Entry: Walking is not onerous, so steep inclines and implemented around the globe and result in multimodal access staircases are avoided. to the places we live, work, learn, and play. They typically include shared lanes, bike lanes, or cycle tracks. Complete streets should Comfort: Paths provide high quality space appropriate to the be implemented throughout Greater Des Moines, as they are location and destinations. accessible and friendly to users of all modes, including drivers, bicyclists, and public transportation riders. Aesthetics: Environments are pleasing to the eye and inspire a person to walk to the next corner. Furthering the use of public transportation has and will continue to be a challenge for Greater Des Moines, due in large part to Creating a region where walking, biking, and taking public Expand the network of on-road bicycle friendly 122 transportation are as viable as driving will be an incremental facilities in Greater Des Moines process that includes numerous entities and action steps. Locate directional and informational signage along trails, as lane markings, and adjacent to roads. Educate residents and workers on the importance of a multimodal system Reconfigure roads to allow all bicyclists to ride comfortably and Provide training for engineers and planners. safely, including the addition of shared lanes, bike lanes, or cycle tracks. Adopt nationally-accepted standards on bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Install more short- and long-term bicycle parking facilities.

Encourage the development of municipal-level bicycle and Provide clearly defined, safe, comfortable, and accessible pedestrian plans. bicycle commuter routes.

Work with DART to ensure that transit stops are more Provide bicycle commuter amenities such as parking, showers, accessible to pedestrians. dressing rooms, and other end-of-trip facilities.

Implement a public education and marketing campaign to Establish short- and long-term bicycle parking facilities near bus increase understanding and awareness related to a multimodal stops. transportation system and to increase the knowledge of the Encourage the presence of paved shoulders on rural roadways. relationship between the built environment and health and well-being. Encourage compact, mixed-use development policies that create a more human-scale environment Create a more walkable region Promote the use of shorter block lengths in new developments, Connect, install, and repair sidewalks. resulting in a fine-grained street network that features more

Plant and maintain trees and landscaping. intersections.

Build wide sidewalks in areas of high pedestrian activity. Minimize the use of cul-de-sacs in order to maximize connectivity. Improve street crossings near schools and commercial areas. Foster higher density development. Enforce right-of-way priority and motorist travel speeds in high pedestrian volume areas. Implement traffic calming methods to create bicycle and pedestrian friendly corridors. Review pedestrian planning procedures, particularly concerning construction of sidewalks in new residential and commercial Install street furniture to create a more inviting pedestrian developments. environment.

Provide land use opportunities that allow people to be within STRATEGY 3B walking distance of commercial and retail activity destinations. POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: Improve pedestrian accessibility at and to transit facilities. Communities

Improve intersection traffic signalization and crossing times for all DART users, including persons with disabilities, children, and the elderly. Downtown Community Alliance Des Moines Bike Collective Developers “This strategy incorporates Strategy 3C 123 health into our daily lives Make the healthy choice the natural choice through a supportive community A number of health initiatives are currently underway around infrastructure. Health the state and the region. Governor Terry Branstad wants Iowa to become the nation’s healthiest state. He launched the Healthiest becomes part of the State Initiative in an effort to reach that goal. The Minnesota- way we live instead of a based Blue Zones project has become a major player in that initiative. Blue Zones principles stem from founder Dan Buettner’s choice our brains struggle to research of communities across the globe with the greatest make. The healthiest choice longevity. Healthy Polk 2020, which encompasses much of but not the entire region, works with ten community-driven approaches becomes the easiest choice. As in a grassroots movement to promote health. At the same time, a result, we become more active, a contingent of local leadership wants to see the region known as the “Wellness Capital of the World.” eat better, and come together more often as a community. This This strategy aims to complement these many exceptional efforts with the fundamental recognition that we cannot speak of health seems like an easy choice to me!” without addressing all the goals of The Tomorrow Plan. We cannot Amy Jennings be truly healthy, as individuals or as a public, unless we have Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute healthy resources, economies, and options that enable residents Executive Director to make the healthy choice instinctively. Healthy Polk 2020 notes that “existing societal norms require people to make an intentional decision (as opposed to the default decision) to make a healthy choice.” Strategies to achieve these goals include:

Tap grassroots issues to promote conversations about health between the public and decision makers. The public and decision makers often engage over issues of health without realizing the connections. They may discuss a proposed zoning change, a road widening, or a proposed economic development project without realizing how it affects health. The conversations rarely turn to which choices promote public health or elevate public health to the same level as other considerations. Working with representatives from health- focused initiatives, the region should develop a set of questions for the public and decision makers to consider in these conversations.

Provide youth with more ways to be physically active in school. The importance of physical activity and getting young people outdoors has increasingly been documented. At the same time, school resources have been stretched thin, and an emphasis has been placed on fundamental academics, often at the expense of creativity and outdoor play. This strategy proposes a convening of educators, health professionals, private philanthropists, and designers to address the physical and programmatic aspects of traditional recess and in-classroom activities to find better Recruit champions to model healthy choices. 124 approaches to integrating physical activity into the school day Develop a promotional campaign to broaden the reach of the — indoors and outdoors. champions. Create more opportunities for everyone to walk or bike to their Engage diverse populations to better understand their barriers respective destinations. A recent study in the American Journal to healthy behaviors and choices, to involve them in developing of Preventive Medicine13 found that biking for transportation an action plan to overcome those barriers, and to implement appears more helpful in losing weight and promoting health that action plan in coordination with those populations. than working out at the gym. Besides fighting weight gain, walking and biking for transportation purposes boosts overall health, including a healthier level of most of the cardiovascular STRATEGY 3C risk factors. These opportunities should be created through land POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: use choices, density levels, and the maintenance and installation of infrastructure that allows walking and biking to be a safe and Local health departments comfortable choice. Iowa Department of Public Health

Tap the Don’t Smile Movement as a means of building Healthiest State Initiative awareness of healthy behaviors and of broadening engagement in the pursuit of a healthier region.

THE HEALTHIEST STATE INITIATIVE The Healthiest State Initiative12 is “a privately led public initiative intended to inspire Iowans and their communities throughout the state to improve their health and happiness.” To achieve this goal, individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits, and the public sector have united in a community-focused effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the country by 2016.

The initiative measures the state’s progress with the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, which tracks six areas that comprise well-being: life evaluation, emotional health, physical health, healthy behaviors, work environment, and basic access. While our 2012 ranking as the ninth healthiest state in the country is a step in the right direction, we can do better. HEALTHY POLK 125 Every ten years, people who live and work in Polk County have the opportunity to participate in the development of a community health plan, Healthy Polk, which guides the use of community resources to support improved health and quality of life for the subsequent decade. The latest plan, Healthy Polk 2020, focuses on community involvement. The process began with 54 community conversations during which 750 people voiced their opinions about what a healthy Polk County might look like. Additionally, 1,200 people completed an online survey, and nearly 400 were interviewed over the phone.

From those conversations, a list of more than 900 priorities emerged. The Healthy Polk 2020 Data Team narrowed that list down to 190 measurable priorities. The 274 individuals who registered for the Community Caucus winnowed that list down to 27. Finally, in early 2009, a traditional Iowa caucus took place, and participants developed the final list of 10 priorities:

• Devote additional resources to prevention and wellness. • Provide youth with more ways to be physically active every day in school so they learn to become active adults. • Increase the availability of accessible, affordable public transportation. • Make sure that all people living in Polk County have health care insurance coverage. • Expand health coverage and services for families who can’t afford private insurance but don’t qualify for public programs. • Ensure equal access to health care for all. • Encourage medical providers to focus on prevention, education, and wellness. • Empower more people to take responsibility for maintaining their health. • Advocate for affordable, quality, and safe housing. • Ensure access to affordable, healthy food for everyone.

DON’T SMILE AT ME The simple act of smiling is an indicator of one’s outlook on life and one’s emotional health. However, we often overlook the importance of smiling. The Don’t Smile Movement continues efforts associated with Healthy Polk 2020, and it measures the progress the county is making in terms of healthy behaviors.

The movement’s goal is to count smiles across the county. Smile Spies hold signs that say things such as, “Don’t smile at me,” at events such as the Dam to Dam race, Pride Festival, PechaKucha, and Yoga in the Park. Other Smile Spies simultaneously tally if people are already smiling, if the sign provokes a smile, or if no smile is observed. By counting smiles, the Don’t Smile Movement builds awareness of healthy behaviors and broadens engagement in the pursuit of a healthier Polk County. The key to reaching these goals in Greater Des Moines is to 126 Strategy 3D build upon and use already existing networks and collaborations, such as the one led by the Des Moines Area Religious Council Provide access to healthy food using a regional (DMARC). food system approach A regional food system approach would allow the region to Currently, the State of Iowa does not provide access to healthy become more self-reliant by producing more of its own food. food sources within its own borders; the state currently imports Additionally, this approach could help increase the access of 14 90 percent of its food. This matters because the regional food healthy food for regional residents, especially those facing system spans numerous sectors — transportation, air quality, economic challenges. An awareness of one’s connection to food health, land use, infrastructure, etc. — where it comes from, its nutrient value, and its production process — would benefit Greater Des Moines as a result of this A regional food system approach “would include the development strategy. Furthermore, this approach would help build a sense of of a food system that includes all of the actors, the technology, community for residents and could help immigrant populations and the resources involved in the production-through-the-final- better assimilate into the community. consumption (and waste management) of food.”15 The goals of this approach are to: To move this strategy forward, the region must consider multiple aspects of food production, including scale of production. Is Enhance residents’ ability to obtain enough healthful food to an individual producing just enough food for oneself in his own lead an active, healthy life; backyard, or is the production occurring on a much larger scale Support diverse endeavors to produce and provide healthful and aiming for profitability? The distribution of food must be food products within the region in an efficient and effective considered as well. Will food from the region be farm to table food, manner; and, or will the food be exported across the globe? This strategy aims to build upon the solid foundation laid by numerous groups around Encourage the production of food that grows well in Greater Des the region to address these questions. Moines.

“As a Midwesterner, I’ve always been proud of our farming heritage. To preserve our crucial role of feeding the world, we need to start by feeding our communities healthy, fresh food... We must take a stand now. We must stand by our values and say that it is unacceptable for anyone in our Iowa family to not have access to healthy, safe food. We must insist that the majority of our food is raised by farmers we know. We must encourage and support the people trying to bring forth the next generation of the American farmer. We must be the example for the world. There’s no better place to start that than in Greater Des Moines.”

Katie Ketelsen Better Homes and Gardens Online Garden Editor + Maverly Lands Co-owner and Co-founder RE-ENVISIONING LOCAL FOOD 127 Traditional agricultural practices can pose challenges because of their low profit margins, their environmental degradation, and a disconnect between consumers and food. Raleigh, North Carolina’s The Farmery,16 though, presents a completely new approach to farming: one that looks for interdependence rather than the optimization of individual components.

The Farmery’s “integrated retailing and growing system for locally grown food raises the value of the produce through a stimulating retail experience and reduces the costs of the produce by consolidating the entire food distribution system.” The Farmery raises the value of its crops by putting the growing process on display, accommodating small hobby and backyard farmers for product diversity, offering fresher food, providing a unique “u-pick” experience, and using organic disease control and nutrients.

The Farmery is constructed of stacked shipping containers and greenhouses oriented to form a vertical farm and u-pick market in an urban neighborhood. The Farmery uses a proprietary growing system to grow edible plants on the sides of the shipping containers, while the interior space of the shipping container is used to cultivate gourmet mushrooms.

Is Greater Des Moines ready to re-envision local food? Work with local experts to understand what food system Create a food rescue program throughout Greater Des Moines 128 resources already exist in Greater Des Moines. that includes collections from gardens, restaurants, and events for food bank and pantries. Create a local food system council that markets the regional food system, raises awareness of it, and seeks to grow Support the development of urban farms in Greater Des Moines participation in existing community gardens. as an anchor for the local food movement. Consider vertical growing as part of this step. Create a regional food system clearinghouse that contains a database of where to access food (grocery stores, restaurants, Support the creation of food hubs or other means to aggregate pantries, farmers markets), and a database of food deserts and distribute products. This would support and enhance the as well as land and facilities that can be used for growing, competitiveness of locally and regionally grown products. warehousing, processing, and distributing food. Examples include vacant lots, licensed kitchens that are not used full time, Develop the capacity and facilities to support a four-season empty warehouses, and companies that currently distribute harvest (year-round growing). food and may be interested in collaborating with local growers. STRATEGY 3D Create a network of faith-based, school, and community POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: gardens. Eat Greater Des Moines Continue educational efforts related to the regional food Iowa Department of Public Health system. A hands-on educational program should start in elementary schools. Through school gardens, this program Communities could introduce children to a greater variety of foods and Farmers would enable them to understand the food system in a more meaningful way. Adult education programs should focus on growing fruits and vegetables, as well as implementing more sustainable farming practices for both row crops and fruits and vegetables.

EARTH HEROES Is it possible to influence people’s mindset to the point that convenience comes before health in regards to their food? Absolutely, and the work has already started. Two community organizations are collaborating on their own strategic effort to explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants with local youth.

The Levitt Boys and Girls Club serves 250 kindergarten through fifth grade children every day. Most youth involved in the program do not have many opportunities to experience truly healthy or nutritious food. Because of the club’s Earth Heroes program, offered each spring and summer at the Des Moines Botanical Center, many of these youth have that chance. They get to plant, grow, harvest, eat, and play with their food. They learn about seeds, soil, sun, and shovels. Participants have even been able to take home fresh produce to their parents and siblings, further promoting healthy foods and the reach of the Earth Heroes program.

One can easily see the program’s influence on youth who beg to take home another batch of potatoes or carrots. One can see it in those who draw pictures of sunflowers or tuck small onions, radishes, or peas in their pockets. Because of their participation in the Earth Heroes program, these youth hold a more realistic understanding of where food comes from and recognize that eating healthy can be both tasteful and fun. Bravo Greater Des Moines’ 2012 economic impact study18 129 Strategy 3E focuses on 53 arts, culture, and heritage organizations the organization supports financially. The study concluded Encourage and celebrate placemaking and that central Iowa arts, culture, and heritage organizations community building opportunities contribute $114.4 million in annual economic output. It also found that these organizations employ over 2,100 Iowans each According to the Project for Public Spaces,17 placemaking is “a year and that they generate $6.64 million in local, state, and multi-faceted approach to the planning, design, and management regional taxes and charges. of public spaces. Put simply, it involves looking at, listening to, and asking questions of the people who live, work, and play in a While we begin to recognize the economic value of the arts particular space to discover their needs and aspirations. Then, a and placemaking, government support continues to dwindle. common vision for that place is created using this information. The State of Iowa now ranks 40th of fifty states in spending The vision can evolve quickly into an implementation strategy, for the arts at $0.37 per capita. This places the state and, beginning with small-scale, do-able improvements that can thus, Greater Des Moines, at a potential disadvantage when immediately bring benefits to public spaces and the people who compared to neighboring states; Illinois ranks 29th, while use them. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, Minnesota ranks first in the nation.19 inspiration, and potential, ultimately creating good public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being.” Despite the challenges in funding these features, there is no doubt the region has achieved significant success. One Not only does placemaking promote health, happiness, and well- cannot look exclusively at government support of the arts being, it promotes economic growth. Over the course of the year, and placemaking. Private dollars play a critical role in Greater Greater Des Moines witnesses the energy and economic engine Des Moines’s art and culture scene, and significant gifts have that accompanies farmers markets, amphitheaters, art fairs, and been part of the region’s cultural vitality for some time. Private music festivals, to name a few. These elements provide evidence contributions of note include the Kruideniers’ catalytic gift for of — and create — a thriving region. Gray’s Lake and the donation from the Pappajohns that created their namesake sculpture park in downtown Des Moines housing $40 million worth of art.

Source: Drew Matthew Maifeld I’ll Make me a World in Iowa Festival

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Des Moines Art Festival 132 PLACEMAKING BY PLANTING SCULPTURES Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists. The 4.4-acre park, located adjacent to a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and high caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns’ contribution of 27 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.

Source: Bethany Wilcoxon

To continue to set our region apart and ensure that it continues Linear art exhibits connected by trail in Clive, the Urbandale Art to be a place where people want to live, work, learn, and play, we Park that features interchangeable sculptures, and the Des Moines must continue to value local gathering spaces and events that Social Club’s proposed Art Walk are examples of efforts that support arts, culture, and natural heritage, and that build a sense support convergent placemaking in the region. For our region to of community. The region should work to embrace the Power of 10 continue to set itself apart and to draw top talent and businesses, concept.20 Greater Des Moines already has seventeen interesting we must nurture and grow these places where people can interact communities. Now, we must work to provide great places within with art and green space. To get there, Greater Des Moines these communities that offer at least ten things to do or ten should: reasons to be there. Enrich social gathering places, including parks, libraries, and A Juncture for Placemaking community centers, through the convergence of placemaking, the arts, and conservation. An increasing number of examples demonstrate the placemaking value created by the intersection of people, art, and green space. Integrate art into streetscape and infrastructure projects. Just consider the High Trestle Trail Bridge near the study area. It’s a remarkable artistic treatment of the fifth largest pedestrian Identify “lighter, quicker, cheaper”23 development strategies bridge in the nation.21 The artistic achievement honoring the to jumpstart placemaking. Examples include temporary use of region’s coal mining history brings more than 90,000 annual abandoned buildings for art exhibits or pop-up restaurants. visitors to the Ankeny-Woodward corridor.22 Enhance community partnerships to provide support for Social gathering places, such as parks, libraries, and community placemaking and to get projects off the ground. centers, are ideal locales for displaying art and sponsoring lectures and programs on arts, culture, and green space. These places Support communities in creating places that are accessible, already attract a diverse range of residents, and many libraries engaging, comfortable, and sociable. and other gathering places around the region exhibit unique architectural qualities. We should leverage these gathering places Encourage via Education to continue to grow the sense of community in Greater Des Greater Des Moines organizations, schools, and libraries Moines. already provide educational programming related to the arts and environmental conservation. The Tomorrow Plan seeks “‘Placemaking’ is both an overarching idea and a 133 hands-on tool for improving a neighborhood, city, or region. It has the potential to be one of the most transformative ideas of this century.” Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago

to work with these groups to provide continued programming rivers. The SWAT team could be equipped with a teaching that embraces the convergence of these two areas and furthers vehicle setup to display interpretive and educational material placemaking and community building. and could be staffed with trained representatives from county conservation groups, the DNR, local nature clubs, and other The GreenArts program offered by the Metro Arts Alliance seeks interested stakeholders. to increase knowledge of conservation and environmental science using art. Available to central Iowa students in kindergarten Leverage input from ArtPlace America, a collaboration of through twelfth grade, GreenArts uses a partnership among the thirteen leading national and regional foundations dedicated to Metro Arts Alliance, Polk County Conservation, and the Urban accelerate creative placemaking across the country. Through Environmental Partnership, which involves Metro Waste Authority ArtPlace, creative placemakers are generating ideas and and Des Moines Water Works. Over 400 students participate potential resources for arts expansion across the country. Bravo annually in programs ranging from “Mammals, Myths, and Masks” Greater Des Moines is currently working with ArtPlace to garner to “Water in Art.” These programs offer hands-on connections ideas for the region. Officials expect that these ideas will be between culture and conservation and have long waiting lists, available in 2013. which speaks to the needs of tomorrow. Grow from the Roots Groups like Art Noir, the Des Moines Social Club, and the Des In addition to the high-level fundraising performed by Bravo Moines Music Coalition, along with the developing Adopt-A- Greater Des Moines, our region must provide grassroots support Stream program, enhance the opportunities for young adults for arts, conservation, placemaking, and community building. to embrace and engage in the arts and conservation as well. To further support them, Greater Des Moines should:

Identify public-private partnerships between educational resources and industry to expand access to the arts.

Work with businesses to provide opportunities for students and the public to view private art collections.

Expand the number and diversity of artists involved in the arts and conservation programs.

Gather more community partners to further the reach of existing arts and conservation programs.

Introduce a year-round program that involves temporary art installations and programming at local parks. This could consist of monthly or bimonthly events that bring local, regional, and national artists into Greater Des Moines parks.

Create a Strategic Wonder and Teaching (SWAT) team that dispatches to rare, short-lived wildlife phenomena in the region, such as seasonal eagle or trumpeter swan gatherings along Source: Project for Public Spaces Consider the success of the Detroit SOUP program, a monthly 134 LIGHTER, QUICKER, CHEAPER dinner that funds micro-grants for creative projects in Detroit. 24 “Lighter, quicker, cheaper” (LQC) describes a local SOUP25 is a powerful tool to start conversations, practice strategy used to produce some of the world’s most democracy, and fund new projects, people, and ideas in a successful public spaces. They are projects that are neighborhood, community, or city. Greater Des Moines should: low risk and low cost, and take advantage of creative energy to produce new uses and to generate revenue in Instigate a SOUP program in Greater Des Moines modeled after transitional places. LQC solutions can relate to basic the Detroit SOUP program as a funding mechanism to support amenities, public art, events, or light development such grassroots arts, conservation, placemaking, and community as adaptive reuse or temporary structures. building efforts.

Develop a mentorship program that pairs established arts organizations with burgeoning studios and artists.

Expand the focus of the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation to be a truly regional group investing in a variety of arts endeavors.

Explore traditional funding mechanisms, such as the Polk County Water and Land Legacy bond, as tools to further grassroots arts, conservation, placemaking, and community building efforts.

Develop a local arts incubator.

Support a framework for connecting and dispersing art, theater, and music districts across the region. The East Village, Art 316, Valley Junction, and the Crane Artist Lofts provide early examples of arts entrepreneurs that have collaborated or congregated. These vital hubs of cultural activity enrich the region and create built-in audiences for larger arts and placemaking events. The region needs more hubs that are accessible to all ethnic and demographic classes from across the region.

Tactical Urbanism: Short Term Action, Long Term Change Urban interventions such as guerrilla gardening, pavement to parks, and open streets are quick, often temporary, cheap projects that aim to make a small part of a region more lively or enjoyable. These types of projects have become more widespread in recent years and are collectively known as tactical urbanism — as in tactics used to improve the urban environment.

These tactics tend to be replicable across cities and, in certain instances, have become worldwide phenomena. The goal is not to simply do a cool project but to make something — even temporary — that will change how a place works and is perceived. Tactical urbanism features the following five characteristics:

A deliberate, phased approach to instigating change;

The offering of local solutions for local planning challenges; DESMOINESARTS 135 The Des Moines Art Center, the Des Moines Arts Festival, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park are significant attractions that have put Greater Des Moines on the arts map. The next challenge is to turn our attention to promoting local arts. With the local arts scene gaining momentum as downtown has redeveloped over the last decade, the region has a unique opportunity to convert an existing warehouse into a permanently affordable, non-profit space for the local arts. Programming could including non- residential workspace for artist studios, arts-related non-profit office space, galleries and exhibition space, classrooms, a theater, specialty arts spaces, and more. This space can serve as an incubator for local arts and could firmly establish Greater Des Moines as a leading region known for its support of all the arts.

DesMoinesArts has already taken a few taken steps to create this local arts incubator, having already engaged Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, arts groups including the Des Moines Social Club, and individual artists. Modeled after the Western Avenue Studios project26 in Lowell, Massachusetts, the incubator will be one of the largest concentrations of artists working under one roof in the country.

The incubator project has proved demand exists, with nearly 400 local artists registering their support through a demand survey. DesMoinesArts has completed floor plans, renderings, and budgets, and is currently proceeding with a fundraising feasibility study. The project is designed to be financially self-sustaining, with positive annual cash flow that eliminates the need for continuous fundraising and gives the project the financial strength to last.

Source: DesMoinesArts 136 OPEN STREETS, OPEN MINDS Open streets events encompass a variety of activities. Following are just a few examples from around the country. Think about what open streets events could look like in Greater Des Moines.

Source: Flickr/bradleypjohnson

Source: Open Streets Minneapolis Source: Chicago Loop Alliance 137

GREATER DES MOINES HAS IMPLEMENTED PARK(ING) DAY STRATEGIES IN THE PAST. Source: RDG Planning and Design

Short-term commitment and realistic expectations; Implement open streets and play streets events around the region. Open streets events temporarily provide safe spaces Low risks, with possibly high rewards; and, for walking, biking, skating, and social activities (think of a block party); promote local economic development; and, raise The development of social capital among residents and the awareness about the detrimental effects of the automobile building of organizational capacity among public-private on urban living. Play streets create public playgrounds within institutions, non-profits, and their constituents. spaces formerly used for the movement and storage of When residents engage directly in creating their immediate automobiles. environments, even when temporary, it’s both empowering and Promote livable streets and neighborhood vitality through Build energizing. Park(ing) Day — a day dedicated to temporarily a Better Block programs, which encourage community builders converting parking spaces to park spaces — is one example of and property owners to temporarily activate vacant storefronts tactical urbanism that has already been explored in Greater Des and public space. Moines. A scan around the globe should inspire Greater Des Moines to engage in more tactical urbanism efforts. Support pop-up retail spaces, restaurants, and cafes through public-private partnerships to promote the temporary use of Beyond the action steps outlined below, other examples of tactical vacant spaces and parking lanes. urbanism include guerilla gardening, park mobiles, yarn bombing, guerilla wayfinding, edible bus stops, weed bombing, camps, ad Reclaim underused asphalt as public space without large capital busting, front yard or street libraries, alley art, pothole gardening, expenditures through a pavement to plazas initiative, a la Times mobile farmers markets on buses, billboards as urban gardens, Square. These interventions begin with the use of temporary, and projects such as those by Candy Chang. inexpensive materials to reassign excessive motor vehicle space for the use of pedestrians or bicyclists. In New York, injuries Build on previous park(ing) day efforts and expand the event to to motorists and their passengers declined by 63 percent after include all communities in the region. these plazas were installed, while pedestrian injuries decreased Deploy park(ing) day techniques at the parcel or parking lot 35 percent and even as pedestrian volumes increased.27 scale to increase the supply of park space. Position parklets throughout the region to increase the balance 138 “Arts and culture act as an of public space. Parklets typically consist of a platform that sits economic driver for our regional flush with the sidewalk in place of two or three parking spaces. economy in terms of visitors, Parklets help reclaim underused asphalt as public spaces and can serve as laboratories for testing a more permanently locals, and those relocating designed public space.

here. More and more visitors are Follow the model of Depave to incrementally reduce realizing Greater Des Moines has stormwater pollution by surgically removing unnecessary pavement around the region. Depave promotes the removal of an artful vibe, and because of that, unnecessary pavement from urban areas to create community new visitor dollars are coming into green spaces and mitigate stormwater runoff. Through community partnerships and volunteer engagement, Depave our city. Central Iowans benefit strives to overcome the social and environmental impacts of pavement with the use of action-oriented educational events, from those visitor expenditures community stewardship, and advocacy to reconnect people with and from the arts and culture nature and inspire others. Depave is a nonprofit organization community in our city. Put simply, based in Portland, Oregon. Update ordinances to allow for food carts and trucks that our vibrant arts and provide low cost food, incubate small businesses, and activate culture scene makes our underused sites. 28 city stronger.” Temporarily employ a previously inactive, underused lot to bring a mix of art, food, and retail to a single location. This generates Greg Edwards revenue for redevelopment, raises community awareness, builds Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors community, and supports local entrepreneurs. Bureau President and CEO Provide spaces for pop-up town halls at which people from many backgrounds can come together to discuss the future of the region. These town halls often benefit from happening simultaneously with conferences or festivals.

Offer informal bike parking throughout the region.

Repurpose neighborhood street intersections as community space. Such intersections encourage neighbors to interact with one another and generate a sense of ownership.

Educate property owners about how to reclaim setbacks and activate the space between the structure and sidewalk to create a more engaging environment.

Ensure that ordinances allow for mobile vendors, who offer needed commercial services, activate public spaces, and provide opportunities to earn income. Promote “micro-mixing” — the co-location of mutually 139 supportive uses — to incubate new businesses and sustain BUILD A BETTER BLOCK DALLAS: existing entities. BEFORE + AFTER29

Nurture an environment that continues to allow artists to flourish.

Celebrate Community Character Arts, culture, and conservation tend to build the identity of the whole region rather than of individual neighborhoods and communities. Part of the region’s strength, though, comes from the unique identity of each community. Each community’s special events and traditions create a rich fabric for the region. As a result, Greater Des Moines should:

Highlight community events, celebrations, and traditions in the community calendar outlined in Strategy 4C.

Develop an annual regional event that highlights the unique traditions of each community while also recognizing the strength of the region as a region.

STRATEGY 3E POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: Des Moines Social Club Bravo Greater Des Moines DesMoinesArts Des Moines Art Center Metro Arts Alliance Communities Art Noir Des Moines Music Coalition Metro Waste Authority Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation 140 AS SWEET AS CANDY Artist Candy Chang is passionate about public spaces and personal well-being. She unites public art, activism, and introspection. A leader in efforts to improve communities and individuals, her projects include the “Before I die…” installations and the “I wish this was…” onsite civic input effort. Additionally, her work supports the formation of ideas as a community, accessible city regulations, and the promotion of green sidewalks.30 AS SWEET AS CANDY 141 Artist Candy Chang is passionate about public spaces and personal well-being. She unites public art, activism, and introspection. A leader in efforts to improve communities and individuals, her projects include the “Before I die…” installations and the “I wish this was…” onsite civic input effort. Additionally, her work supports the formation of ideas as a community, accessible city regulations, and the promotion of green sidewalks.30 REPURPOSING in the Region

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O The City of West Des Moines I repurposed the historic 1905 brick N

storefront that originally housed the T

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and City Hall as a community center. O The space includes a community F

welcome center, a multi-purpose T

classroom, and a meeting room. The S city retained historically significant design elements while introducing new technology and mechanical systems. Originally designed in 1902, S M the Riverpoint Lofts DE OIN building south of downtown Des ST ES Moines was the longtime home of E C Schmitt and Henry Manufacturing, W O one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the west. Today, M the Riverpoint Lofts function as M affordable one- and two-bedroom lofts that use original architectural U elements and are located in a walkable neighborhood. N

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ES A nearly $30 million renovation transformed the century-old Des EAT Moines Public Library Building into the Dr. Norman E. Borlaug UR World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The renovation retained and A repaired existing finishes to the greatest extent possible, and the L building achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental F Design (LEED) Platinum status in 2013. O Open to the public since the spring of 2012, the Hall serves as a world-class museum to recognize great L achievements in agriculture and in fighting hunger; L as a convocation center at which to hold events A during the World Food Prize International Symposium; as a home for the expanding Global H

Youth Institute; as an educational facility; and, as E a conference and meeting space.

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In June 2011, the City of Norwalk reopened its renovated city hall. The $1.6 million renovation and expansion of the existing structure — the former fire station —saved the city millions of dollars in construction costs. Apparatus bays of the original building were converted to office space and city council chambers, and the site was completely reconfigured to provide a significant amount of green space and landscaped areas, providing a more aesthetically pleasing presence. Develop incentives for the preservation and repurposing of 144 Strategy 3F historic buildings. Repurposing historic buildings maintains an area’s character while also reducing environmental degradation. Celebrate the unique heritage and character found throughout the region by promoting Support local communities in incorporating Main Street’s historic preservation four-point approach, as appropriate. The four steps include organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.31 Historic preservation protects our history and sense of place. Once those things are lost, they’re lost forever. People are Offer historic preservation outreach and education, including a attracted to historic buildings, districts, and places for numerous Preservation Academy to host lectures, workshops, and events reasons. One is that the scale is comfortable to humans. Another promoting historic preservation around Greater Des Moines. is that older buildings were designed with consideration to how Libraries could serve as partners in furthering this outreach and they interact with their surroundings. Older built structures tend education through their existing resources. not to have the cookie-cutter designs or vast parking lots around Create a regional network of signage and information on historic them that much contemporary development does. Additionally, properties. historic structures and districts keep a living record of where we,

as a region, have been, and they teach future generations of the Educate people on the value of the historic tax credits. Across region’s collective history. the country, historic tax credit programs help offset the costs of the rehabilitation of buildings. The State Historic Preservation Finally, historic buildings often have high environmental and Tax Incentive Program ensures “character-defining features and economic value. The high quality materials often used in historic spaces of buildings are retained and helps revitalize surrounding buildings means they tend to last longer than contemporary neighborhoods.”32 Greater Des Moines must work as a region structures. These same buildings provide environmental benefits to identify additional incentives for individuals who recycle or in that they already exist and, therefore, require no new materials repurpose buildings. or production for construction. They also tend to sit in the center of communities and in close proximity to other functions. In these ways, the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way STRATEGY 3F to develop is to take advantage of these existing structures rather POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: than to push into greenfield farmland for development. Although Communities not often recognized, rehabilitating existing structures often saves on construction costs, preserves desired open space, and Iowa Economic Development Authority demands less new infrastructure cost outlays than developing Department of Cultural Affairs untouched farmland does.

As a result, the region should:

Prioritize development and redevelopment in areas with existing infrastructure.

Change the public’s perception of preservation by conveying the broad scope of what is considered a historical or cultural resource and by communicating how these resources can be identified, protected, and appropriately used.

Increase partnerships between preservationists and non-traditional partners to broaden the constituency for preservation and to maximize resources.

Promote historic preservation through the creation of local historic districts and individual landmarks, and through partnerships with property owners, cities and counties, state agencies, and the public. Strategy 3G 145 Create Zest

ZEST n 1 keen relish; hearty enjoyment; gusto 2 an agreeable or piquant flavor imparted to something 3 anything added to impart flavor, enhance one’s appreciation, etc. 4 piquancy; interest; charm 5 liveliness or energy; animating spirit

Throughout this entire goal of furthering the health and well-being building, and historic preservation. Zest will reflect and of all residents in the region and throughout the entire plan, there celebrate the diversity of the region. is a desire to build on robust relationships, to celebrate inimitable Identify regional efforts, such as public arts celebrations, characteristics, and to shift long-held ideologies about the ways in regional relays, restaurant crawls via trails, etc., for Zest to which Greater Des Moines develops. Simply put, The Tomorrow spearhead. These efforts will become signature Zest events that Plan is about building on synergies of the region and creating zest celebrate the seventeen individual communities along with the in Greater Des Moines. region in its entirety. As demonstrated throughout the plan, Greater Des Moines has Create the Best of the Zest – an annual awards program a solid foundation in place. The region must continue to push recognizing achievements in creating community and furthering the proverbial envelope in order to not only compete in a global the vitality of Greater Des Moines. marketplace but also to be one of the, if not the, top places to live, work, learn, and play. To do so with zest, Greater Des Moines should: STRATEGY 3G POTENTIAL CHAMPIONS: Identify grassroots advocates for housing, alternative transportation, health, local foods, parks, arts, placemaking, Polk County Housing Trust Fund community building, and historic preservation. Eat Greater Des Moines Des Moines Social Club Create and foster Zest, a regional committee bringing together advocates and advisors on housing, alternative transportation, Center on Sustainable Communities health, local foods, parks, arts, placemaking, community